Panthers-Bucs referee Carl Paganelli carted off after contact with Tampa Bay player

NFL umpire Carl Paganelli was carted off the field in the first quarter of Sunday’s Week 13 game between the Carolina Panthers (3-8) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6).

After the Panthers went three and out on their first offensive possession, Paganelli made contact with Buccaneers linebacker Vi Jones as Tampa Bay’s punt return unit came running onto the field.

Official Carl Paganelli appears to be doing fine after being carted off the field 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sKgWocJwud

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 1, 2024

Though Paganelli appeared to be OK, the officiating crew will be shorthanded for the rest of the game. Back judge Grantis Bell is spotting the ball, typically the umpire’s responsibility.

Panthers looking to upset NFC South rival Bucs

The Panthers are looking to get back to their winning ways, as they narrowly missed out on upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) last Sunday following two consecutive victories. The mid-season turnaround has coincided with the improved play of quarterback Bryce Young, who has started the last four games. Young has thrown five touchdowns to just three interceptions since going back under center, looking more like the player Carolina expected when they selected him No. 1 overall last year.

“Just the progress that we’re looking for as he continues to earn these moments, then, yeah, he’ll be in there,” head coach Dave Canales said earlier this week of Young. “And that’s what I’ve been most excited about is, is that there’s weekly growth that’s happening. And so, we’re just taking it a week at a time. I know that’s been my language, but he’s really taking responsibility for it and pushing us that way.

“And so, the bottom line is, he’s giving us a chance to win.”